Mississippi elementary school student has bacterial meningitis

The Mississippi Department of Health says an elementary school student has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

WREG-TV (http://bit.ly/1zJRqF9 ) reports the department is working closely with the Tunica County School District to identify teachers and students who may have had contact with the boy. His identity hasn't been released. He is being treated at Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis.

People at risk of contracting the disease will be given precautionary antibiotics.

The department says there is no ongoing health risk at the school, and students and parents who weren't in contact with the patient are likely not in danger.

Bacterial meningitis causes sudden fever, severe headache and neck stiffness. It can be spread through saliva or mucus but is not as contagious as the cold or flu virus.